A Bacoleña is joining the 140-kilometer Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), the world governing body for cycling, to participate in the 1st Gravel World Championship on October 8 this year, in Venice, Italy.
Janiree Rubrico-Dacles, 29, of Brgy. Granada, Bacolod is slated to compete with other invited winning cyclists from 22 countries in the Women’s Open Elite Category after landing third place in a gravel cycling race last April in Bongabon, Nueva Ecija.
Gravel racing became popular in recent years and it’s a cross between road and mountain bike racing which takes place on open gravel roads, dirt and single tracks. It is said that this competition is a true test of endurance and handling skills in the fastest time possible.
Italy boasts of the most number of cycling clubs in the world and home to the famous Giro d’Italia, Strade Bianche and the Tour of Lombardy which are known as cycling’s most prestigious racing events.
In the upcoming gravel championship race, Janiree will have to conquer the treacherous 140-kilometer stretch of pure gravel route with a total elevation change of 740 meters.
Janiree who is married and has two children, continues to breastfeed the younger child in between competitions. She made the hills of Alangilan her training ground, and her tenacity and competitive attitude has taken her to races all over the country since she joined the sport eight years ago, earning her a name in the Bacolod bike scene.
Among her achievements is winning the Spartan Race Trifecta, an international obstacle course racing event. This multi-sport athlete also acquired numerous gold medals and podium finishes not just in cycling but in the sports of running, trail running, adventure races and road and mounting bike races.
“Never Surrender” has been Janiree’s approach when she participates in such events and in the Italy race, she will bring that attitude again as she races bearing the Philippine flag which will also be broadcasted live in international sports channels.*
